JEREMY THOMPSON THINKS THAT PROGRESS IS BEING MADE.
There’s certainly still more to be done, but Thompson thinks lacrosse is moving in the right direction. Even as the world at large suffers from political divides, lacrosse can unite, Thompson said.
“You talk about energy, you talk about life, you talk about opportunity — when it comes down to the basic needs of human beings, everyone wants to be accepted,” he said Friday. “When you narrow it down, it’s that power of dominance. People trying to identify what real power is. Real power doesn’t come from the human race; it comes from something bigger than that. That’s what we believe as people. You look all around us, that’s power.”
That yearning for acceptance extends to the Haudenosaunee women’s team, which finished in eighth place in the World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Towson, Md., on Saturday. Miya Scanlan and Wynter Jocks earned national recognition with viral goals. The team upset fifth-seeded Scotland as the No. 12 seed.
Just as the full weight of the lacrosse world supported the Haudenosaunee men, the Haudenosaunee women became a fan favorite.
Thompson thinks it’s their time now, too.
“As far as a society, a matriarchal society, we hold our women very high,” he said. “But there’s something to that where we have to start giving them the opportunity to shine. Because of the way history was written, men were more dominant. But that’s changing. Our women deserve that because of that power.”
Lacrosse is much more than a sport to the Haudenosaunee Nationals. It’s a matter of pride, culture, family and healing.
“I feel honored every time I get to represent my people and my community,” Thompson said. “When it comes to this game, I feel like we are making progress. Every time we step on the field and represent our country, it’s much bigger than that. I feel at the end of the day, you have to take what’s given to you and educate yourself and prosper.”
Said Jamieson: “We’re just carrying on the tradition as the bearers of it. Lacrosse is a very respectful game.”